Food Lover's Guide to Mumbai

Mumbai's culinary scene features bold flavors and influences from around India and the world, so whether you're dining at a fine restaurant or eating from a street vendor, you'll never be at a loss for tasty bites. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

While Mumbai's restaurant scene has grown dramatically, the most authentic picture of the food scene comes from the streets. You'll find vada pav, nicknamed the poor man's burger, on just about every street corner in the city—a deep-fried potato fritter stuffed inside a bun and topped with a variety of chutneys and fried chilies, it's a favorite. Pav bhaji, another regional dish, is eaten by dipping buttered grilled bread into a spicy vegetable curry, while pani puri, eaten whole in one bite, offers a burst of flavor thanks to the hollow fried crisp's stuffing of chickpeas, potatoes, spices, tamarind chutney, and a spicy chili water. If you're hungry for a snack on the beaches of Mumbai, order some bhel puri, a puffed rice mixed with vegetables and tamarind sauce.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a day or night street food tour of the city to make sure you're getting the best bites in what can be an overwhelming environment of stalls and flavors

• Follow a professional chef to Mumbai's hidden gems on a food tour

• Equip yourself with the skills to prepare favorite Indian dishes at home on a cooking class tour that includes a visit to a local market

• Head to Chowpatty Beach in the evening for some of the best street food offerings in the city